Trump administration proposes wage-based selection system for H-1B visa holders

The Trump administration has proposed a new stricter system for H-1B visa selection.

If the proposed system is approved, the lottery-based selection system will cease to exist.

The proposed system will replace the computerized lottery system to decide on the successful H-1B applicants. The DHS said it is expected to counter the downward pressure on the wages of American workers that is created by an annual influx of relatively lower-paid, new cap-subject H-1B workers.

 

If the proposed plan is finalised, US Citizenship and Immigration Services would indulge in greater scrutiny of H-1B applications. It would first select registrations or petitions, based on the highest Occupational Employment Statistics prevailing wage level.

“With this proposed rule, the Trump administration is continuing to deliver on its promise to protect the American worker while strengthening the economy.

According to a PTI news report, the US administration has proposed the move as it is expected to counter the downward pressure on the wages of US workers. A notification regarding the new system is being published in the Federal Register on Tuesday, added the report.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said on Wednesday that stakeholders have 30 days to respond to the notification. It may be noted that the proposal comes less than a week before the US presidential election.

Source: India Today/PTI

Shruti. R

Bengaluru